Lifetime’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ Remake Threatened By Lawsuit

One of the forces behind the popular Julia Roberts movie “Steel Magnolias” has some issues with the upcoming Lifetime remake of the film.

Victoria L. White-who executive produced the 1989 movie that starred Roberts, as well as Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine-filed a lawsuit today against Sony Pictures and Lifetime Television claiming that she has an agreement that ensures that she will receive a co-producer or co-executive producer credit on any TV project that is based on her movie. The Lifetime version will star actresses such as Queen Latifah and Phylicia Rashad.

White claims that the two companies owe her payment for the remake, which will include a $15,000 fee as well as up to 3.75% of the net profits from the TV movie. She also wants a court-ordered injunction to stop the film from airing on Lifetime, unless she gets paid. That cuts it close, since the movie is slated to air on Oct. 7.